Weekly Track Roundup #16
"Patti Peru" - Public Access T.V.
Aural Wes contributors share the newly-released tracks they haven't been able to get out of their heads.
I can't stop listening to this song!!!
Although the first line is "I was ready to die," Patti Peru is surprising hopeful, upbeat and fun - everything you need to get you through a long week.
- Aurora McGuckin
"Stand Inside" - Kurt Vile
When I first head Kurt Vile's new album I was struck by this track in particular because it paints such a vivid picture of a quiet, domestic love. The refrain is so simple that it's probably shared with hundreds of other songs, but it feels like a revelation here. Oh my god, I love you. This track is powerful by itself but in context of the whole album it is a quiet testament to the power sharing your life with someone. It is sandwiched by songs like "That's Life, tho (almost hate to say)" and "Kidding Around" which have a cynical sort of humor that highlight its sincerity. I wish I could hear this song for the first time again.
- Meg West
"Science Fiction" - GUM
GUM's (solo project of Jay Watson from live Tame Impala) cover of "Science Fiction" by Divinyls blew me away when I first heard it this week. It starts out with Jay singing in a soft calculated manner, but midway through the song takes a 180 degree turn. Jay also really makes the song his own and does a lot with it; in the end this cover doesn't bear a strong resemblance to the original corny 80's version.
- Adam Manson
"Flesh without Blood/Life in the Vivid Dream" - Grimes
Grimes' new album is my dream come true - and this song in particular. It's as if a fairy princess wrote a score for a Sailor Moon video game.
- Emily Feher
"Floral Mattress" - Naps
I have probably listened to this song over 100 times since Naps' new EP, You Will Live in a Cool Box, came out this past summer (which, by the way is packed with other equally incredible tracks). With its lo-fi bedroom guitar and drums paired with gloomy vocals, "Floral Mattress" channels a mix of shoegaze and Elliott Smith-like influences. It evokes a sort of warped nostalgia of past love, as singer Katryn Macko croons out off-puttingly sentimental lyrics like "where's the exit sign?/ heard your keys / won't let your melodies / murder me ." I dunno, personally, I think this may be the most perfect song I've ever heard.
- Michelle Rosen
"Cathedral" - Quiet Giant
I first heard Quiet Giant during my orientation as a member of the Heirloom Arts collective. They describe their sound as “heavy, dream pop with heart.” It is dreamy and spacey, but has an edge that comes through on the record. Much of that comes from drummer Jared Thompson, whose technique gives the music a sense of forward motion, and Will Touri’s guitar tones. Danielle Capalbo has a soft, distinct voice that serves as a counterpoint to the rocking music behind it. In some ways she sounds like she’s from another planet, but has clearly adapted her style to the indie rock world. The album is easily a contender for my personal favorite of the year, and the band is from Connecticut, too. Other standout tracks include “In Color”, “Forever Fear (Sylvia Plath)” and “Heaviest Metals”.
- Will King
"Silver Car Crash" - Majical Cloudz
When I first heard Impersonator, I listened to it three times in one day. When Are You Alone? was released this past October, I listened to it four times. It's eerie and beautiful in its honesty. The album's message is complex, but is relayed with a straightforward simplicity that enhances the listener's experience. It is love, but it is not lovely. I picked one of my favorite tracks from the album, "Silver Car Crash", to share with you.
-Kelsey Gordon
